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Featured Feminine Warrior: Amy Jo Wisehart

I first discovered Amy Jo after getting lost in an Instagram blackhole—you know when you keep clicking on profiles and finding random posts you like—and then BAM! There she was. Her #nudeinnature project is stunningly gorgeous, and I was instantly intrigued with this brave, bold, beautiful woman. I knew I had to get to know her better and play a little dress up! After looking deeper into her profile I saw her amazing art and knew this was just the beginning of hardcore friend crush.

Amy Jo is a gentle soul who shines so brightly through many mediums and we can’t wait to show you to all of you beautiful people! She is one powerful #femininewarrior and graciously let us into her beautiful home to photograph her in her natural habitat. We feel in love with all the colors, art, and trinkets she has and can see why she is so inspired by her surroundings. Here is just a little peek into her colorful life!

Get to Know Amy Jo

Tell us about your art. What are some of your favorite things to create (subject, medium, etc.)?My art seems to be moving in a new direction as of lately, which I love. I'm becoming more into the body positive activism scene, and I really feel the power that my images can have. I am primarily working with photography right now, but I also have ideas for a new (oil) painting series as well. I want my work to speak to the people that are told to be ashamed for their bodies. I want more people to realize that it's okay to love yourself, all while telling myself the same thing. (The struggle is real.) Most of what I do on the daily though, is watercolor commissioned portraits. This and also wedding photography is what pays the bills after all!

Who are your favorite power lady icons (dead or alive, fictional or family, anyone!)?Oh man. Favorite power lady icons. There are so many! First off I would say Sally Mann. She's absolutely amazing and her photography speaks to me on a level where I feel like we are kindred spirits. Two other icons for me go hand-in-hand with each other. I found them both around the same time on tumblr years ago: Katie West and Faye Daniels. They are two gorgeous women who work (sometimes together) to break stereotypes within nude photography. They both do self portraits (the majority of them nude) and they are the main reason why I started photographing myself nude.

What are three songs you can’t live without and could always play on repeat? 1) Barenaked Ladies- One Week (Lol. I randomly break out in song and dance to this song constantly. No idea why. I don't even really like the song that much.) 2) Beyonce- Flawless feat. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 3) Johnny Cash- Look at Them Beans

Where/what is your dream vacation?My dream vacation is currently to Iceland. I'm obsessed with the scenery that Iceland provides, the culture, and pretty much everything else it has to provide. From what I've seen it's a land of magic, and magical places call to me. I would love to spend 2-3 weeks there traveling by car and photographing myself nude at locations all over the island.

What is your go-to accessory?My go-to accessory would have to be my Jo Totes camera bag. I've traveled all over the world with it on my side. I love how it can carry all of my things and is also fashionable and comfy. The other accessory that's absolutely tied with this on my go-to list would be an Amethyst necklace that I bought on my road trip to Oregon.

Where do you look for style inspiration?Recently I've been inspired by ladies on Instagram that have bright, eclectic, and/or kitschy styles. (@4locrow and @studiomucci@chubbycartwheels for examples—and of course @copperunion!). I'm relatively new to the fashion world, because where I've lived before (and who I was surrounding myself with) there were absolutely no options for buying plus size clothing that could be seen as "fashion-y". Now with the internet being so amazing, living in Portland, and free shipping, my options seem to be endless. I'm now seeing that I can embrace my eclectic style and just rock the fuck out of it.

January Feminine Warriors

So you all know what a friend crush is right? Here at Copper Union, we can wholeheartedly say we have MAJOR lady-friend crushes on this month's Feminine Warriors, Margot Meanie and Kobi Jae. When we found out these two would be in Portland at the same time, we knew we had feature on them! Kobi and Margot were total gems and looked smashing in Copper Union, but who doesn’t look great in black, fringe, and sparkly skirts?!? We had a wonderful day bopping around to some of our favorite spots in this great city, and getting to know the ladies even better. If only they could live closer, we could play dress-up all the time! Their trip flew by too fast. There is no doubt in our minds that we will be friends for life with these two mega babes and can’t wait to see what their bright futures hold!

Get to Know Margot Meanie

Who are your power females you look up to?Basically any goth girl from movies. I have serious heart eyes for the likes of Morticia and Wednesday Addams, Lydia Deetz, and Nancy Downs. But I also draw a lot of power from looking up flappers and Ziegfeld Follies.

What are three songs you can’t live without and could always play on repeat?ONLY THREE????? This is not fair….FINE!

Everlong - Foo Fighter

Just Like Heaven - The Cure

Killing Moon - Echo and the Bunnymen

Screw it, I’m a rebel, also the entire score of Phantom of the Opera by the Canadian cast int he 90’s, Human Behavior by Bjork, and Dancing On My Own by Robyn.

Who are your style icons?I always used to say I’m a mix of Cyndi Lauper and Audrey Hepburn…I guess it’s still true.

Eddie and Pats from Ab fab, or the entire cast in Pretty in Pink. But honestly, there are so many now that inspire me it’s hard to name them all. I am definitely pulled in two directions, one being over the top campy fun and opulence, the other being a minimalist.

My dream vacation is that my life is a vacation and I bop around the globe to little two-bedroom apartments I happen to own speckled in my favorite cities. And my friends being able to join me for frivolous fun times and really good champagne cocktails.

Damn, that is the dream!

What was your favorite part of Portland?It used to be Ground Kontrol and Voodoo Donuts, oh and the awesome happy hour deals.

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE these things, but now it’s all my friends I miss that I was finally able to meet in person. Portland is full of beautiful souls and I want to come back to combine my previous favorite aspects with my new favs! <3

If you could have any animal for a pet what would it be?I think anyone who has ever heard of me would automatically associate me with cats…and I thank you for it! I adore them, but in all honestly, if I were left to my own, I would end up having 2 dogs, 6 cats, a few bunnies and a pair of birds…and a fennec fox…and a red fox..and…omg the list would go on!

Get to Know Kobi Jae

Name:Kobi JaeAge: 27Instagram:@kobi_jaeOccupation: Graphic and web designer (also in my last year of study), as well as a contract special effects technician and sometimes disability support worker!

Who are your power females you look up to?I don’t have many “big names” that I really look up to because I have a lot of inspiring women as friends (such as the luscious Margot Meanie), and from within the communities that I interact with… indie designers, bloggers, models, body positive activists, writers and just ‘regular josephines’ that I regularly interact with on social media.

Also, I know this is super cheesy, but…my mum. She is such a passionate, enthusiastic and exuberant woman who really cares about being the very best version of herself and contributing good and worthy things to the world. I love my mumsy! :)

What are three songs you can’t live without and could always play on repeat?Oh man, this is like asking me to choose my 3 favorite children, but if I had, like, 4,000 children! But umm.. a quick skim through iTunes and these 3 jumped out: Dear Mr Gable, as sung by Judy Garland, Meatloaf’s Paradise by the Dashboard Lights, and Total Hate ’95 by No Doubt – because I dream of a time when Gwen Stefani was still epically cool and Bradley Nowell was still alive <3

Who are your style icons?I am so inspired by all the incredibly stylish women that I interact with on social media! I also love Japanese street style photography, drag queens and Fran Fine. Haha! I also have the hugest amount of respect and admiration for the ladies of Advanced Style… the way that personal expression through clothing and body decoration is such an enormous part of who they are, and how much it enriches their lives - I can totally relate to that, and admire (and aspire to) their level of dedication and commitment.

Where/what is your dream vacation?I just had it, on my epic 6 month adventure to America! Next up, I really need to get to Europe to explore my German heritage and have adventures in Slavic countries. My trips are almost always dictated by what foods I want to eat.

What was your favorite part of Portland?Hanging out with the incredible plus size community and getting one on one time with the beautiful people that I had established internet friendships with. I was delighted to discover they are just as amazing and wonderful and fun in real life as i’d hoped… in fact, even more! <3

If you could have any animal for a pet what would it be?I already have him! My cat, Gomez, is the best guy ever. But I also want a Hungarian Horntail dragon, but, like, one of the small ones that the Triwizard Tournament contestants pull out of the bag.

Thank you for visiting Portland, ladies! We can’t wait to see you again!Also, thanks to Cargo for letting us shoot in their beautiful store.

December's Feminine Warrior

When Kanda speaks you are instantly put at ease. From the sound of her buttery voice to her warm embracing personality, you just want more. This lady is a force not to be ignored. She is going places and we are so excited to be part of her journey. Whether she is helping you find the perfect book at Powell's (Portland's favorite book store), or seducing you with beautiful jazzy renditions to classic songs, you can't help but be wrapped up in all of her awesomeness. Kanda has worked with Copper Union for many runway shows, and each time we are so impressed with her kindness and grace. She is always making sure to represent everything our brand stands for. Kanda is empowering, beautiful, strong, driven and a true gem. We feel lucky to know such a wonderful woman!

Get to Know This Songstress

Who are your favorite power lady icons?The Hip Hop Holy Trinity: Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, Rihanna—are everything. I listen to a lot of podcasts, so there are a lot of really awesome people that I discover. I listen to Another Round with Heben and Tracy, it's a BuzzFeed podcast with girls that just drink and talk about life. All women are awesome. I try to find something to admire in everyone. Women don’t give each other enough credit.

What is your go-to accessory?Probably a scarf. Either as a headscarf, or around my neck. They’re a big thing for me.

What are you excited about for 2016?I graduate! I’m really excited about that. I’m not really an academic person, and I feel like I’m really going to “sprout into me” this year. I’ll be become more of more in 2016.

Top 3 Shower SongsComputer Love by Zap and RogerWet Dreamz by J. ColeEverything Beyoncé, currently Love on Top

Where do you look for style inspiration?A lot of African fashion inspires me a lot. Tumblr is my best friend, but I’ve gotten into watching old music videos. There is so much style that happened in the past that would work now with just a tweak. When it comes to what I wear, I try not to second guess myself. If I like it and I want to pull it off, I just do it. What if you died the next day and didn’t wear the outfit of your dreams!? Never save an outfit.

It has been a big year for plus-size fashion. We saw notable collections from stars like Melissa McCarthy and Rebel Wilson. Model Tess Holliday signed a major contract with a top agency and appeared on the cover of People Magazine. But maybe the most memorable moment of the year was seeing the first plus-size runway show from winner, Ashley Nell Tipton.

The latest issue from our friends at Skorch Magazine features Ashley on the cover, looking stunning as usual. We were thrilled to see her rocking our favorite Copper Union Vera Sequin Shrug!

NOVEMBER'S FEMININE WARRIOR

Just like the rest of the internet, I watched Shawna Farmer from afar as she flourished with her clothing line, Chubby Cartwheels. When Copper Union was asked to show at Summer Strut, a fatshion fashion show, alongside Shawna I knew it was my chance to break in with this powerful lady. Shawna is a wonderfully honest, open, and immensely talented woman who inspires me non-stop! With her amazing brand and loyal following, this Feminine Warrior is a force to be reckoned with. She stands for so many of the same values as we do here at CU, and it is a joy to be around her glowing bosslady-ness. Who knows, you might even see a little Copper Union/Chubby Cartwheels collaboration in the future!

Favorite Sweet Thang?Curly Wurly bars - they're a British candy that swirls caramel covered in chocolate. British chocolate is so much better than American chocolate.

Who are your three favorite lady power icons?From a really young age, Emme, who was one of the first the plus-size super models. Women like Beth Ditto and Velvet D’Amour. When you see these really powerful, well-put together women representing you it really affects you positively. Oh! And Tracey Turnblad. As a really young girl, seeing her get the hot guy and not give a shit was awesome—we’re talking the Ricki Lake version here.

What makes you feel beautiful and strong?Wearing stuff that almost makes me feel the most insecure, because I’m willing to put myself out there. It builds me up and makes me feel stronger. I used to never show my arms and now I do all the time. Doing what makes me feel uncomfortable, and doing it well, makes me feel stronger afterwards.

Tell us a little bit about Chubby Cartwheels.Chubby Cartwheels really started out of necessity for myself, and wanting to make clothes for myself. I feel like in the past five years, fashion has changed so much for the plus market. But back then I wanted to make things for me that just weren’t out there. I want people to know that my brand is about feeling good—I wouldn’t say confident, I think that word gets used so much—it's more about women wanting to express what they want to say about themselves. I do custom work because plus size bodies are so diverse, each body is so different. If ladies want something of mine, they know they can still have it even if their body is vastly different from the models they see.

OCTOBER'S FEMININE WARRIOR

I first met Alexa Danger at the Summer Strut fashion show when she walked the runway for Copper Union. Seeing the way she worked the runway and got the crowd going, you couldn’t help but notice her. I knew it was only the beginning of our amazing friendship! Alexa has an infectious smile and the warmest personality I have ever encountered. We had a chance to work together again when she walked for me at Portland Fashion Week. She isn’t the most traditional runway model because of her shorter height, but she makes up for it in sass, determination, and passion—which is exactly why we love her. Alexa is a joy to work with and a total babe. A true example of our #FeminineWarriors.

GET TO KNOW THIS BOMBSHELL

Who are your three favorite lady power icons? She-Hulk, my good friend Angel who runs and owns her own venue, The Charleston, and is also the front-woman of amazing bands. Really, I'm inspired by any independent female artist or small business owner that does what they love.

What are your hobbies?I enjoy being involved in the local music scene, both attending and booking/supporting local and touring bands. I also love power lifting and going to the gym. Anything that makes me feel strong and badass. I also like nerding out on some comics or tabletop games (I’m a half-orc barbarian who crushes skulls between my thighs).

Name: Alexa DangerAge: 25Hometown: Kennewick, WA — now living in Tacoma, WAOccupation: General badass, band promoter, dental hygienist, power lifterInstagram:@danger_raegun

Our Featured Feminine Warrior

We are inspired by the everyday #FeminineWarriors out there. Rockstars in their own right. We champion women who take charge, kick butt, and chase their dreams. This month, we are loving Georgia K. from Portland, OR. She is a gorgeous woman who's confidence and sass is totally inspiring! Dressed head-to-toe in Copper Union, we hit the town to capture Georgia's spirit and all the amazing colors of Portland.